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Examining the San Francisco Giants’ Depth Chart: Third Base

By Sean Bialaszek

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With old fan-favorite Pablo Sandoval opting to take his talents to Boston, a Panda-sized void was left at the hot corner for the San Francisco Giants. After much frustration, and a little panic (no, not the second baseman), a deal was finally struck to bring in an established third baseman to play everyday. The fans seem to be split, with some being content with the deal, while others are worried about his production. But the fact is, the new guy is an upgrade over the other options.

Starter – Casey McGehee

McGehee, a six-year veterean, was acquired via trade with the Miami Marlins for two low-level minor league pitchers in December. It’s been a long journey for McGehee to get to where he is today. He started his big league career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008, but had a strong rookie campaign in 2009, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting that year.

He enjoyed a true breakout season in 2010, when he hit .285 with 23 home runs and 104 RBI’s. He struggled through the next two seasons, splitting time between the Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees. In 2013, he found himself in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, where he would experience a career resurgence.

In 144 games with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, McGehee hit .292 with 28 home runs and 93 RBI’s. Along with notable teammates Masahiro Tanaka and Andruw Jones, he led the Golden Eagles to their first Japan Series Championship.

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He found himself back in the major leagues in 2014 with the Marlins, where he enjoyed another solid season. En Route to winning the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award, he batted .287 with four home runs, 76 RBI’s and a .355 on-base percentage. He also endeared himself to Marlins’ fans, as they dubbed him “Hits McGehee,” a reference to the movie Anchorman.

McGehee actually outplayed his predecessor Sandoval in some regards. He finished with a higher batting average (.287 to .279), more doubles (29 to 26), more RBI’s (76 to 73), a higher OBP (.355 to .324), fewer errors (7 to 11), and a higher fielding percentage (.979 to .971). He didn’t display the same power, but he should be able to hit a few more out, considering Marlins Park is actually bigger in left field than AT&T Park.

At 32 years old, McGehee may not a long-term solution at third base. But if he can provide the same solid offense and play the same great defense he displayed in South Beach, it will really soften the blow of losing Sandoval.

Backup – Joaquin Arias

Sep 6, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Joaquin Arias (13) makes a throw against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve been following along with this series, you’ve seen Arias’ name before, and you’ll see it again. He is the super utility man who can play any infield position at any time. He played 24 games at third base in 2014, the most of any position. With a .254 average and 4 RBI’s in his time as a third baseman, he won’t strike fear into opposing pitchers, but he can get the job done. Defensively, Arias is a very smart player, as he judges groundballs well to give himself good hops. He also has a strong arm, which can help him make throws from “deep thiiiiiiiird.”

Added Depth – Matt Duffy, Ehire Adrianza, Adam Duvall, Chris Dominguez

Duffy is another player who can play the role of super utility man, as he’s a shortstop by trade, but spent time at both second and third in 2014. His time at the hot corner was very short, as he spent just three innings there over the course of two games. Despite his lanky frame, he is athletic enough to play the position quite well defensively. Having a shortstop’s arm also helps. Offensively, he’s got a lot of potential, as evidenced by a .304 career average in the minor leagues. With time, Duffy can develop into a solid major league player.

Jun 21, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Ehire Adrianza (6) throws to first base against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Giants won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Adrianza is an interesting case, as he’s a defensive specialist who has shown he can also hit a little bit. He had an outstanding Spring Training in 2014, but got off to a slow start in the regular season with a .145 average before heading to the disabled list with a groin issue. After his return, he hit .326 before a hamstring injury ended his season. He’s another player who mostly has played shortstop, but he does have limited experience at second and third. With time, he could also become a serviceable player.

Duvall played mostly first base in the big leagues in 2014, but as a minor leaguer, he spent the overwhelming majority of his time at third base. His defense isn’t great, which may make him better-suited to play first permanently. But his bat is what sets him apart. He’s got a ton of pop, with 100 career minor league home runs on his resume. If McGehee goes down long-term with an injury, Duvall and his bat could force their way into the lineup.

Dominguez got an opportunity to play for the Giants after a September call-up, and went 1-17 with a homer. At 28 years old, he’s a little advanced in age to call a prospect, but his limited experience hurts him on the depth chart. Like Duvall, his defense is his weakness, but he’s shown he can drive the ball with authority. A strong Spring Training campaign, and another good season in AAA could lead Dominguez to be a darkhorse candidate for a call-up come next season.

McGehee has big shoes to fill with the departure of Sandoval. He’s no slouch, and if he can carry over his success from last season, he’ll make a great addition. But McGehee doesn’t want to make Giants’ fans forget Sandoval, he just wants to be Casey McGehee.

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